No. 14 Rutgers women's lacrosse improves to 6-0 for 1st time in program history
The Rutgers women’s lacrosse team continues its undefeated streak, beating Villanova 17-4 over the weekend to clinch the team's first-ever 6-0 start to a season in program history. The No. 14 Scarlet Knights (6-0, 0-0) have posted at least 16 goals in each game.
Junior attacker Jenna Byrne opened the scoring for Rutgers in the first 4 minutes being assisted by graduate student attacker Stephanie Kelly. Kelly put up a team-high four assists this game and 6 points, tying her game highs against Army and Georgetown earlier this season.
Sami Carey tied the game at 1-1 with 8 minutes left in the first quarter and prompted a 3-0 scoring run by the Knights to end the first. Rutgers allowed 2 more goals in the second and made it 8-3 by halftime.
To open the second half, junior midfielder Cassidy Spilis recorded a goal on a free position shot, becoming the 27th player in program history to reach 100 points. Spilis netted 2 more goals by the end of the game.
Alongside Spilis, senior attacker Marin Hartshorn secured a hat trick while junior defender Meghan Ball was a wall for Wildcat (1-4, 0-0) attackers. Ball put up a game-high five ground balls, caused four turnovers and recorded three draw controls.
“Our defense gave us so many opportunities and possession against a team who is good on the draw,” said head coach Melissa Lehman. Villanova drew in a good number of draw controls, with Caroline Curnal winning six.
Four more Knights scored goals in the final quarter to secure their 17-4 victory. Sophomore goalkeeper Sophia Cardello only let in 4 goals and shut out the Wildcats in the final quarter.
Rutgers forced a season-high 23 turnovers, and the 4 goals that the team allowed were the least in a game since facing LIU in February 2018.
The Knights will face their first ranked team of the season when they match up against Temple on Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Philadelphia. Live stats will be provided at the start of the game at ScarletKnights.com.
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